PART 1 - PREVENTION
China is in the fortunate position of having a truly integrated healthcare system, where the collaboration between Western and Chinese medicine achieves the best of both worlds.
In the fight against the pandemic of pneumonia from 2019-nCoV Novel Coronavirus infection, Hubei Provincial Hospital of TCM diligently used the specialities of TCM to formulate pneumonia prevention and treatment programs. Chinese herbal formulas harbour the unique potential to reduce fever and cough symptoms, limit disease progression, and improve overall immunity, and thus a person’s ability to mount an essential immune response to the virus.
They have recommended certain formulas for prevention and treatment of Coronavirus, to be used as an integrated and comprehensive approach utilising both Western and Chinese medicine to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
The first stage, Prevention, is the easiest part to manage and predict. As we know ‘prevention is easier than cure’ and the formula is suitable for the ‘prevention of pneumonia due to viral infections, and the flu’.
Huang Qi (Astragalus), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Fang Feng (Ledebouriella) is a traditional formula called Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Screen) which boosts immunity.
It also contains antivirals Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) and Guan Zhong (Shield Fern). There are other antivirals that we can use too such as Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit) or Ban Lan Gen (Isatis root).
In fact research has shown Ban Lan Gen was effectively used in combatting SARS-CoV (COVID-19 is 96% the same virus as SARS-CoV, so very similar).
I have made, and can obtain, this formula and its variations in a syrup, tablet or a concentrated powder.
Please contact me or look online at weymouthacupuncture.co.uk if you’d like to purchase some.
Next I will discuss some of the herbs and formulas that can be helpful with the initial symptom pictures of Coronavirus.